What Is Cell in Dragon Ball?

What Is Cell in Dragon Ball?

Cell is one of the most iconic and menacing villains in Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball franchise. Introduced in the Android/Cell Saga of Dragon Ball Z, Cell is a bio-engineered lifeform created by the scientist Dr. Gero. Designed to be the “perfect warrior,” Cell possesses the cells of some of the universe’s strongest fighters, including Goku, Vegeta, Frieza, and Piccolo. His character is defined by his quest for perfection, destructive ambitions, and terrifying power.

The Origins of Cell

1. Creation by Dr. Gero

• Dr. Gero, a scientist of the Red Ribbon Army, created Cell as part of his plan for revenge against Goku.
• Cell was cultivated in a lab over decades, with Dr. Gero’s computer gathering genetic material from battles throughout Dragon Ball.

2. Genetic Composition

• Cell’s DNA is a blend of genetic material from Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, Frieza, and King Cold, among others.
• This combination grants him abilities like Saiyan strength, Namekian regeneration, and Frieza’s resilience.

Cell’s Forms and Transformations

Cell undergoes several transformations on his journey to achieve perfection.

1. Imperfect Cell

• Appearance: Bug-like with a hunched posture and tail used for absorbing victims.
• Abilities:
  • Absorbs humans to increase his power.
  • Uses techniques like the Kamehameha, inherited from Goku’s cells.
• Key Events:
  • Cell first appears in this form after traveling back in time using a stolen time machine.

2. Semi-Perfect Cell

• Appearance: More humanoid with increased size and musculature.
• Abilities:
  • Gains significant power after absorbing Android 17.
  • Shows enhanced combat skills but lacks the grace of his final form.
• Key Events:
  • Fights and overpowers Piccolo and Android 16.

3. Perfect Cell

• Appearance: Sleek and humanoid, with a symmetrical design and golden accents.
• Abilities:
  • Immense power, speed, and mastery of multiple techniques.
  • Gains the ability to reproduce his cells, making him nearly indestructible.
• Key Events:
  • Achieves this form by absorbing Android 18, completing his evolution.

4. Super Perfect Cell

• Appearance: Similar to Perfect Cell but with a glowing aura resembling Super Saiyan 2.
• Abilities:
  • Gains an even greater power boost after self-destruction and regeneration.
• Key Events:
  • Returns to challenge Gohan after surviving his own self-destruction.

Cell’s Role in the Dragon Ball Z Saga

1. The Android/Cell Saga

• Cell emerges as the ultimate threat after Goku and the Z Fighters face the Androids created by Dr. Gero.
• His journey to perfection involves absorbing Androids 17 and 18, creating a tense race against time.

2. The Cell Games

• To prove his superiority, Cell hosts the Cell Games, a martial arts tournament to challenge the Earth’s strongest fighters.
• Key Battles:
  • Goku vs. Cell: Goku tests Cell’s power but ultimately concedes, passing the torch to Gohan.
  • Gohan vs. Cell: Gohan achieves Super Saiyan 2, unleashing unprecedented power and defeating Cell with a father-son Kamehameha.

Cell’s Powers and Techniques

Cell possesses a wide range of abilities derived from his genetic makeup:

1. Regeneration

• Thanks to Piccolo’s DNA, Cell can regenerate from severe injuries as long as his nucleus remains intact.

2. Energy Absorption

• In his imperfect form, Cell absorbs human energy and Androids using his tail to increase his power.

3. Signature Moves

• Kamehameha: Inherited from Goku’s cells, Cell uses this iconic energy wave in battle.
• Special Beam Cannon: A technique borrowed from Piccolo’s arsenal.
• Solar Flare: Blinds opponents to create an opening or escape.

4. Saiyan Traits

• Cell’s Saiyan DNA allows him to grow stronger after surviving near-death experiences, similar to Goku and Vegeta.

Cell’s Impact on the Dragon Ball Universe

1. Pushing Gohan to New Heights

• Cell’s actions directly lead to Gohan’s transformation into Super Saiyan 2, one of the series’ most iconic moments.

2. Legacy of the Cell Games

• The Cell Games become a defining event in the Dragon Ball timeline, solidifying the Z Fighters’ resolve to protect Earth.

3. Introduction of Time Travel

• Cell’s use of a time machine introduces the concept of alternate timelines, a recurring theme in Dragon Ball.

Why Cell Is a Memorable Villain

1. Complexity

• Cell’s motivations—driven by a programmed desire for perfection—make him both chilling and fascinating.

2. Power and Threat Level

• Cell’s combination of DNA from the franchise’s strongest fighters makes him a nearly unstoppable foe.

3. Evolution and Transformation

• Each of Cell’s forms represents a step closer to his ultimate goal, keeping the tension high throughout the saga.

Fun Facts About Cell

1. Voice Actors: In Japanese, Cell is voiced by Norio Wakamoto, known for his powerful and dramatic delivery.
2. Design Inspiration: Akira Toriyama admitted that he initially struggled with Cell’s design, which underwent several revisions.
3. Game Appearances: Cell is a recurring character in Dragon Ball video games, often portrayed as a high-tier fighter.

Conclusion

Cell stands as one of Dragon Ball’s most formidable and memorable villains. His quest for perfection, evolving forms, and dramatic battles against the Z Fighters make the Android/Cell Saga one of the most celebrated arcs in the franchise. Even years after his defeat, Cell’s legacy continues to influence the Dragon Ball universe, cementing his place as a fan-favorite antagonist.

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鳥山明さんの作品をこよなく愛するドラゴンボールが好きな漫画オタクです。世の中のアニメ全般が好きで、クリエイターの皆様を応援しています。